If you have a dog or cat (or several) and you take them wherever you go, a pet carrier is a must. From canvas totes and car seats for crosstown romps to carriers and crates for air travel — plus kennels for at-home use — these are some of the best you can buy, according to owners and reviewers.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
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$67 and up from Chewy
In a world of endless options and brands you've never heard of, Sherpa is one of the few that garners a critical mass of positive reviews from experts (among them, Reviewed, Wirecutter, and Conde Nast Traveler) and owners alike. The soft-sided carrier keeps its shape thanks to a rugged wire frame; the mesh sides offer plenty of ventilation; and most importantly, the zippered side and top make it relatively easy to get a reluctant pet in or out during that trip to the vet. Available in three sizes; shop around, as these carriers sell out frequently.
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$250 from Arlo Skye
Inexpensive the Arlo is not, but owners say the expense is worth it. The removable, washable memory foam bed is comfy for dogs and cats, they say, and a pass-through side pocket is designed to secure the pet carrier to the telescoping handle of a suitcase. If you're feeling extra flush, you can buy a matching carry-on for humans ($350 and up).
$70 and up from Walmart
A plastic pet crate such as this one may not be ideal for air travel, but it's perfectly acceptable for car trips or a stroll to the neighborhood vet, something reflected in the admiring marks it earns from buyers and pet pros. Owners say the hinged door on the top is the selling point, making it easier to coax a reluctant dog or cat in or out. The plastic kennel is available in two sizes and two color options and is easy to assemble, according to buyers. If you plan to fly with a dog or cat but your furry friend has to travel in cargo rather than in the passenger cabin, Petmate's SkyKennel is a substantial and well-reviewed option ($127.50 and up from Amazon).
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$30 from Amazon
There are a number of lookalike expandable pet carriers for sale; this particular model is a top seller and one of the highest rated. The selling point, owners say, is the zippered fold-out mesh side panels, which allow smaller pets a little extra room to stretch out.
$220 from Amazon
Sleepypod says it designs carriers to work equally well as an airplane carry-on or pet car seat, and its carriers have been subjected to crash-testing to demonstrate their safety. Owners say the Sleepypod is definitely durable and roomy, and they like that it can be folded flat when not in use. Some pet parents note that the mesh panels don't allow a lot of light inside — something anxious animals may appreciate — and that ventilation is sufficient. An optional heated sleeping pad is available, and the carrier comes in nine color options.
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$45 from Land's End
If you're one of those who insists on toting your tiny fur baby everywhere, you may as well do it in style. The Land's End canvas tote has a reinforced base with a washable fleece insert, plus an interior hook for securing a pet's leash. It's available in three color options and can be customized with a monogram or your pet's name.
$50 and up from Amazon
The American Kennel Club and Humane Society of the United States recommend crate training to give your canine pal a sense of safety and security. And when it comes to dog crates, especially for larger canines, MidWest earns kudos from pros at Wirecutter and Best Reviews, as well as a solid 4.7-star average score from more than 119,000 (yes, you read that correctly) buyers at Amazon. The iCrate is the company's entry-level option, with single- and double-door models available in several sizes.
$78 from Amazon
If dog is your copilot, reviewers say the Kurgo pet seat provides a safe, comfortable place for your pup to sit. Most owners rave about how much their dogs love being able to sit up and gaze out the window, but add that the seat may be too small for larger pets to lie down. Installation is fairly simple, and there's a clasp to secure a pet's leash to, but some people caution that the carrier may shift off balance if your pet moves around a lot.
$98 and up from Amazon
If a one-size-fits-all pet car seat such as the Kurgo doesn't fit a furry friend comfortably, the Snoozer may be an option. Like other pet booster seats, it secures to a vehicle's seat belt and has a stout strap to connect to pets' collars or harnesses. Though sellouts can be a problem, it's often available in three sizes (not to mention an array of colors and patterns) and has a plush fleece-lined interior. Owner quibbles are relatively minor, though some say they wish the padded sides were firmer, and others complain that the integrated accessory drawer is too flimsy to be of much use.
$27 and up from Amazon
If toting a pet in a traditional carrier just isn't quirky enough for you, you can always wear your dog or cat. (It works for infants, right?) More than 19,000 buyers have added their opinion to Amazon's ratings, giving it an average score of 4.2 out of 5. Based on owner feedback, the Pawaboo is best suited for very small dogs weighing less than 10 pounds, but don't be surprised if your pup isn't crazy about being carried this way.